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Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Alasdair Steele said: "Private McPherson was a capable young soldier who had previously trained in both Kenya and France.

"He was hugely committed about his career in the Army, he had aspirations to join the Machine Gun platoon and attend a junior leadership course at the start of next year."

Private Conor McPherson from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, died while taking part in a night live firing exercise on Monday 22nd August 2016 at Otterburn Training Area in Northumberland (Image: MOD)

"He constantly drove to develop himself physically and was well liked among his peers for his sharp wit and sense of humour.

"However, Private McPherson’s true passion was to his parents and his older sister – he was part of a very close knit family, and his great joy was spending time with them at the weekends and over leave.

"The entire Battalion’s thoughts are very much with his family and friends."

Fellow soldiers are already posting tributes to the young soldier.

Conor McPherson who was shot in the head during an exercise

Many have adopted the regimental badge as their profile pictures as a mark of respect.

The accompanying post, started by Christopher Mckinnon reads, "As a mark of respect to the young Scottish warrior training to do what he loves the best I ask everyone to place the regiments badge and motto as their profile photo for at least 24 hours rest easy brother see you in the re org......nemo me impune lacessit... Tragic news mate, don't worry the boys from training have some funny stories about you, you definitely were unique. Lest we forget pal."

Soldiers are adopting the badge of the regiment as a mark of respect

Conor's friend, Matt-James Mcallahan wrote, “Rest in peace to one the best guys I know.

"In such a tragic accident was probably one of closest people I was to at the fort and i'll always remember you waking me up in the morning with a boxing glove to the face or you explaining your geeky game you will be missed a lot mate and see you soon enough like you always said in your game there is always a way of restarting it. GBNF "

Conor McPherson (circled) of The Black Watch (3 SCOTS) with his comrades

A spokesman said the Defence Safety Authority is investigating, but added that there were no details on whether any other personnel were involved.

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The accident happened on a firing range at the training area, and Northumbria Police said the soldier died after suffering a "serious head wound".

(Image: Google)

A spokesman said: "At around 11.15pm last night police received a report that a soldier had been shot on the military ranges in Otterburn during a live-firing exercise.

"Emergency services attended and found the male soldier had received a serious head wound. Sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

"Police will be working with the Ministry of Defence to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and a cordon is currently in place. Military officials have informed the soldier's next of kin."